7 July 2026
Effective from 1 July 2026, new financial thresholds apply for mandatory merger notifications to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (“CCPC”). The changes are expected to reduce the number of transactions requiring notification where there is limited potential impact on competition. This is the first revision of the notification thresholds since 2019.
From 1 July 2026, a transaction is mandatorily notifiable to the CCPC where in the most recent financial year:
In effect, the revised thresholds increase the aggregate turnover threshold from €60m to €100m and the individual turnover threshold, for at least two parties, from €10m to €15m. The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has the power to raise the thresholds for mandatory notification once per year.
The increase is intended to align Ireland’s merger control regime more closely with comparable European jurisdictions. According to the CCPC, the revised thresholds will reduce regulatory burdens and transaction costs for businesses involved in deals that are unlikely to raise competition concerns.
Notwithstanding the increase in notification thresholds, the CCPC retains its power under the Competition (Amendment) Act 2022 to require notification of certain transactions that fall below the mandatory notification thresholds. It recently exercised this power for the first time in March 2026 in the proposed acquisition of TouchStore by Uniphar p.l.c,.
Pursuant to section 18A(1) of the Competition Act 2002 (as amended), the CCPC may exercise this power where it considers that a transaction may have an effect on competition in markets for goods or services in the State.
Accordingly, parties to transactions that fall below the revised thresholds should continue to assess whether the CCPC may nevertheless seek notification under its call-in powers.
KPMG Law LLP’s Mergers and Acquisitions team advise domestic and international clients on Irish merger control requirements including notification obligations and engagement with the CCPC.
If you would like to discuss how the revised thresholds may affect a proposed transaction, please contact a member of our team below.
